For her father Mark Ullah was left paralysed after being stabbed in the back in a nightclub attack in the city centre more than 17 years ago.

Now she is using the painful experience to help tackle the blight of gang culture.

For Laschelle is one of the stars of a hard-hitting urban drama tackling the issues of weapon carrying and their devastating effects on communities around the city.

The 20-minute film has been scripted by and stars young people in Birmingham and will be used in the city’s secondary schools as part of lessons on the dangers of gang life.

Shortly before she was born Mr Ullah was enjoying a night out with his friends at XLs club at Five Ways, in Birmingham, in December 1992 when the incident happened.

Revellers watched in horror as the then 18-year-old collapsed in a pool of blood after a broken bottle was jabbed into the back of his neck and back.

It was thought his friend had become embroiled in a row with a group of men over a girl and when he went over to clam the situation the pair were attacked with the bottle.

As a result, he is unable to walk.

Drama student Laschelle, 16, from Erdington, said: “I know what it is like to have your life affected by knife crime. My dad was stabbed and I have always thought ‘How can anyone do something like that?’

“There is never any need for something like that.

“I don’t think of my dad as any different to anyone else’s dad, but him not being able to walk has had an impact on the family.

“My mum and dad are happy that I am doing this. The film demonstrates that at any time in your life, your circumstances can change as a result of one decision.

“Life is too short for being in gangs – there is no need for it.

“We shouldn’t have to live in a society where one group of people is scared of another.”

Laschelle, who is studying a two-year BTEC qualification in Performing Arts, is one of four young people from the Sutton Coldfield campus of Birmingham Metropolitan College to take part in the film My Life, My Choice, playing street-wise Tammy.

Commissioned by Birmingham Reducing Gang Violence, the film follows aspiring musician Nathan as he gets drawn into a gang lifestyle by his friend’s older brother.

He is pressured into breaking into a house to steal a drugs haul but his introduction to crime ends in tragedy as he shoots a rival gang member while trying to get away.

Nathan’s dreams of a music career are snatched from him when he is arrested by police.

The film’s lead role is taken by 19-year-old ‘Romo’, aka Ramone Dawkins, from Hockley, an up and coming grime/rap artist with an acting background, he completed a one-year Performing Arts course in Birmingham before joining a local stage school.

Romo said: “The film is quite a good representation of life in some Birmingham communities.

“A lot of young people will find themselves in a similar position because things like this do happen in everyday life.

“The message of my music – and this film – is positive.

“I am aware that I have a young audience and I try not to promote negativity. I want to try and set an example.”